Opportunity for geophysicists to meet congressional science leaders

Scientists will flood Capitol Hill during the fourth annual Science‐Engineering‐Technology Congressional Visits Day (CVD) on April 21–22 1999, to voice their support for federal investment in science and technology. AGU encourages members to join other geoscientists for an opening day of briefings by key administration and congressional leaders followed by a day of constituent meetings with senators, representatives, and their staff. Last year, more than 250 scientists and engineers from academia and industry attended including 15 Earth scientists. CVD provides a terrific opportunity to become part of a growing movement by scientists and engineers to remind lawmakers how indispensable the research community is to society Legislators sit up and take notice when normally reticent research scientists take a few days away from the lab and pay them a visit. It also sends a powerful message when scientists from many disciplines are seen to be working together for science in the national interest, and not just promoting their own individual pursuits. This activity smartly fits the objectives of AGU's Committee on Public Affairs to prepare and encourage AGU members to interact with their elected representatives and other decision makers as well as to increase interactions with the policy process at all levels. Previous CVD events have proven successful in part because scientists and engineers advance a simple but coherent message. Participants in this year's CVD are asked to carry two core themes: Federal investment in science and technology is important for the nation. Partnerships between government, universities, and industries mean progress, economic growth, and jobs.